Topic overview
- How do I clean my leather gloves?
- How do I remove water stains from my leather gloves?
- How do I clean the inside of my leather gloves?
- How do I care for my leather gloves?
- Cleaning and caring for leather gloves with household remedies
- How do I waterproof my leather gloves?
- How do I clean and care for my motorcycle leather gloves?
- FAQ – Frequently asked questions
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Leather gloves
Cleaning and caring for leather gloves
At a glance:
The key answer: Leather gloves should never be washed in the washing machine, as moisture and heat cause irreparable damage to the material. Gently clean them with a soft, slightly damp cloth and mild soapy water. Special balms or oils are suitable for caring for smooth leather, while suede should only be brushed dry and treated with special suede products.
Key facts for long-lasting leather:
- Cleaning: Wipe with a damp cloth only. Baking soda helps with odours in the lining (leave to work for 12–24 hours).
- Drying: Always dry at room temperature in the open air. Never place on a radiator or in the sun, as this will make the leather brittle.
- Care interval: Re-grease 2 to 4 times a year to maintain suppleness.
- Maintain shape: Put gloves on briefly and stretch them gently while drying.
Leather gloves are timeless classics for cool days and functional companions for motorcycling or other outdoor activities. Structured care and cleaning are essential to ensure that the quality, suppleness, shine and colour intensity of the leather are preserved in the long term.
Cleaning leather gloves is fundamentally different from cleaning other accessories. Leather is a natural product that dries out, cracks or loses its colour if treated improperly. Cleaning is very easy for light soiling.
This guide shows you how to properly treat leather gloves with selected care products, household remedies and impregnation.
How do I clean my leather gloves?
Purpose:
- Removing dust
- Removing coarse dirt
- Removing surface grease
Required utensils:
- Lukewarm, low-lime water (preferably distilled or filtered)
- Mild soap (e.g. curd soap or special saddle soap)
- Soft, lint-free cotton cloth
Instructions:
1. Mix lukewarm water with mild soap to form a soapy solution.
2. Moisten a soft cloth with the solution and wring it out thoroughly.
3. Wipe the surface of the glove using gentle circular movements. Do not soak. The leather should only be slightly damp, otherwise it will swell.
4. Wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
5. Allow the leather gloves to dry completely in a well-ventilated place. Do not dry them on a radiator or in the sun!
6. While drying, wear the leather gloves regularly and stretch them slightly to prevent them from losing their shape.
7. After cleaning, roughen suede gloves with a special brush in the direction of the fibres.
Caution: Do not use cleaning agents containing alcohol. These remove grease from the leather and make it porous.
How do I remove water stains from my leather gloves?
Smooth leather: removing water stains
1. Remove moisture from the fresh stain with an absorbent cloth.
2. Mix low-calcium water and white vinegar in a 1:1 ratio.
3. Moisten a soft cloth with the vinegar water and wring it out.
4. Wipe the affected area (not just the stain) until it is slightly damp to prevent new marks from forming.
5. Allow the gloves to air dry away from direct sunlight and heat and wear them regularly to stretch them out.
Suede and nubuck leather: removing water stains
1. Remove moisture from the fresh stain with an absorbent cloth.
2. First, try to remove the stain with a special brush for suede leather.
3. If the stain is still visible, gently wipe the affected area with a damp cloth.
4. Brush the leather gloves with the brush in the direction of the grain.
5. If the stain is still visible, use a special cleaner for suede or nubuck leather.
6. Allow the gloves to air dry away from direct sunlight and heat and wear them regularly to stretch them.
How do I clean the inside of my leather gloves?
Purpose:
- Neutralise odours
- Remove sweat
- Ensure the lining is hygienically fresh
Required utensils:
- White vinegar
- Lukewarm, low-calcium water (preferably distilled or filtered)
- Clean cloth
- Optional: baking soda to neutralise odours
Instructions:
1. Mix vinegar and water in a ratio of 1:1.
2. Moisten the cloth with diluted vinegar water.
3. Gently wipe the inner lining – do not soak it.
4. Leave the gloves to dry in a well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight with the cuffs fully open.
Optional: If there is a strong odour, sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda into the lining and leave it to work overnight. The next day, shake out any bicarbonate of soda residue and brush it out carefully.
How do I care for my leather gloves?
Leather gloves should be cared for at regular intervals, especially after cleaning.
The following instructions apply only to smooth leather gloves.
Purpose:
- To maintain suppleness and shine
- To protect against cracks and drying out
- To protect against environmental influences
Required utensils:
- Leather balm or leather care cream
- Soft cotton cloth
Instructions:
1.Clean and dry leather gloves as described above.
2. Apply a small amount of leather care product to a clean cloth.
3. Apply the care product evenly to the leather surface using circular movements.
4. Allow to soak in for 10–15 minutes or according to the instructions on the care product.
5. Remove excess care product with a dry cloth and polish gently.
6. Allow leather gloves to dry completely away from light and heat.
Caution: Only treat suede or rough leather gloves with care products specifically designed for these types of leather!
Care interval:
- For normal use: every 3–4 months
- For intensive use: monthly
Cleaning and caring for leather gloves with household remedies
If you need a quick solution for cleaning and caring for your leather gloves in an emergency or at short notice, you can also use household remedies.
Area of application: Smooth leather (not suitable for suede, velour, aniline or wild leather)
| Case of use | Home remedy | Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Dried out or cracked smooth leather | High-quality coconut oil or olive oil | Massage in very sparingly with a cloth, polish after 15 minutes. |
| Light soiling | Vinegar water | Dab with a damp cloth, then wipe with a damp cloth. |
| Unpleasant odour inside | Baking soda | Sprinkle dry and leave to work overnight. |
| Matte gloss and impregnation | Paraffin wax or beeswax | Apply wax and work it in gently with a soft brush. |
Important: Always test on a concealed area first to avoid discolouration or staining of the leather, especially with light-coloured leather gloves.
How do I waterproof my leather gloves?
Purpose:
- Increase UV protection to prevent fading, drying out and cracking.
- Protect against wetness and moisture to prevent damage.
Required items:
- Waterproofing spray suitable for leather
- Clean and dry leather gloves
- Newspaper as a base, if necessary
Instructions:
1. First clean the leather gloves and allow them to dry completely.
2. Apply the waterproofing spray outdoors in a well-ventilated area from a distance of approx. 20-30 cm.
3. Do not spray too much – a thin layer is sufficient.
4. Allow to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions (usually at least one hour).
5. Repeat the process if necessary when applying for the first time.
Note: Depending on the manufacturer, our leather gloves may already be waterproofed. Therefore, check the item before waterproofing.
How do I clean and care for my motorcycle leather gloves?
Purpose:
- Remove dust, sweat and road grime
- Protect against weathering
- Increase durability
Required utensils:
- Damp cotton cloth
- Leather care oil or balm (non-slip, easy to grip)
- Optional: Waterproofing agent
Cleaning instructions:
1. Remove coarse dirt from gloves with a dry cloth.
2. Soak the cloth in mild soapy water and wipe the gloves until they are slightly damp.
3. Leave to dry at room temperature (filled with paper) away from direct sunlight.
Care instructions:
1. Apply a small amount of leather oil or balm to a soft cloth.
2. Apply the care product evenly and gently, leave it to soak in and wipe off any excess.
3. Apply waterproofing if necessary (see instructions for waterproofing leather gloves).
Recommended care interval:
- Cleaning: every 2 weeks
- Care: monthly
- Impregnation: every 1–2 months
FAQ – Frequently asked questions
How often should leather gloves be cared for?
2 to 4 times a year, or more often if they are used heavily.
How can I tell when my leather gloves need care?
A dry, brittle texture, dull surface or visible creases indicate that the leather gloves need to be re-greased.
Can leather gloves be washed?
No. Washing machines and excessive moisture lead to irreparable deformation, water marks and discolouration. Only wipe with a slightly damp cloth.
What should I do if the lining smells strongly?
Sprinkle baking soda on it, leave it to work for 12–24 hours, then shake it out – if necessary, repeat the cleaning process with vinegar water.
My leather gloves are wet from the snow – what now?
Residue should be removed immediately and the leather gloves dried with a soft cloth. If stains remain, remove them according to our instructions.
Summary
Regular cleaning and the right care routine will preserve the natural shine and suppleness of leather gloves for a long time. Targeted waterproofing also protects against environmental influences and prevents colour loss and stains.
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